Eau Gallie’s Historic District

By John Trieste

Published: 2017.08.31 09:16 AM

This currently blue-colored house was constructed in 1928. With its delicate architecture, it has earned a spot on The Brevard Historical Council’s Register of Historical Buildings. Located at 1664 Highland Avenue, this home is within walking distance of most of old town Eau Gallie.

SENIOR LIFE Darrell Woehler

Let’s take a walking tour, with family and friends, of the historic district of Eau Gallie.

Here you’ll be introduced to one of the finest revitalized communities in Brevard.

Start by visiting the Eau Gallie Library located on Pineapple Avenue, just north of Eau Gallie Boulevard. This well-equipped library, with free computer use for the public, enjoys a fantastic view of the Indian River Lagoon. Behind the library, stroll on the newly built Eau Gallie Pier. On one side of the library is the accommodating Pineapple Park, a haven for all ages, and on the other side is the very popular restaurant Squid Lips. This historic building is located on the Lagoon and it is well worth going in to view the interior and enjoy a seafood meal.

Go north on Pineapple Street and view many restored homes on both sides of the street.

At Pineapple Avenue and Law Street is the very attractive restored lodging of William H. Gleason, the founder of the Eau Gallie area. This historic home was built in 1884. The house now is a private home and is an outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture.

The lovely home is on the U. S. National Register of Historic Places.

Then walk one block west on Law, and at the corner of Highland Avenue are four interesting buildings. Three of the one-story buildings have been completely restored. These are award-winning renovations. All three buildings originally were built in the early 20th century. The three-story brick building on the southeast side of the avenue was built by the Gleason family, also in the early 20th century. It is now an apartment house.

Now walk slowly south on Highland and view the many restored buildings and churches all from the 19th and early 20th century. Don’t miss the Old Eau Gallie Post Office building and the adjacent area. Other highlights on Highland Avenue are the Advent Christian Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1926 Ginter Building, the Karrick Building (now a florist), the outstanding home of the Winchester Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Center and the newly built park on the corner of Highland Avenue and Eau Gallie Boulevard. For sweets, try Joan’s Perfect Pies.

The Renee Foosaner Education Center and the Foosaner Art Museum now have merged with the Florida Institute of Technology. This fine museum houses works of international, national and local artists and rotates exhibits on a regular basis. It is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Go south and on Highland and also between Eau Gallie and Montreal you have a variety of excellent shops and restaurants, including Ace Hardware, Mathers’ Cake Shop, Ralph’s Art Supply, The Horn Section, Chef Mario’s and the new Intracoastal Brewery Company among others.

Crossing Montreal Avenue on Highland, visit the historic Rossetter House Museum and the Rouesh House. Both are on the U. S. National Register of Historic Places. Last but not least, walk south on Houston Street toward the Eau Gallie River and Houston Street Park. At 1911 Houston St., you will find the original, restored Eau Gallie Yacht Club building. It now is a private residence.

There is much more to do and see in Historic Eau Gallie. You will return many times to discover more gems in this outstanding restored and very livable family neighborhood.